WUHAN (China) - Mali have wrapped up a spot at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 after claiming their second win in Wuhan by beating African rivals South Sudan.
Maimouna Haidara and Alima Dembele combined for 39 points in a vibrant 97-74 success, with their place confirmed when Belgium subsequently took down Czechia in the following game.
Women's World Cup Pedigree
Mali
Number of participations (including 2026): 3
Last participation: 2022 (11th)
Best finish: 2022 (11th)
Current FIBA World Ranking for Women, presented by Nike: 18th
How They Qualified
Gameday 1: China 81-68 Mali (L) Game Report Gameday 2: Mali 77-64 Czechia (W) Game Report Gameday 3: Belgium 81-50 Mali (L) Game Report Gameday 4: Mali 73-76 Brazil (L) Game Report Gameday 5: South Sudan 75-97 (W) Mali Game Report
Qualifiers Heroes
Maimouna Haidara has been outstanding for her team. delivering against the promise she showed at youth level in the U19 World Cup a few years ago.
Her do-it-all approach has come alongside the power and poise of Sika Kone, who was the standout young player at Sydney 2022 and now uses her additional experience gained to positive effect.
Past Qualifiers
Mali
Edition | Record |
|---|---|
2022 (Belgrade, Serbia) | 1-3 (4th in Group B) |
FIBA